Printing With Water Based Ink

Broken Arrow offers printing with water based ink, and is our primary print method for all over printing. Printing with water based ink gives a super soft result for screen printed t-shirts, hoodies, and more! If you are looking for a print that has a soft, lived in feel, water based ink is for you!


All Over T-Shirt Printing

printing with water based ink

All over t-shirt printing requires printing with water based ink, which gives a soft feel, and lends itself nicely to a distressed/vintage look that is very popular with all over printed t-shirts. All over printing can use up to 4 ink colors in the design, and there is a small space required between the ink colors. The print is distressed near seams and hems, giving it a worn/vintage look and feel. It is also important to note that white ink when printed with water based ink will not give a bright, vibrant white like plastisol ink will with traditional screen printing.

Start Here!

Fabric Requirements

In order to do printing with water based ink, the fabric content must be at least 70% cotton. The higher percentage of cotton, the better results you will get for printing with water based ink. Instead of a traditional under base, an underbase that acts as a bleaching agent is used. It removes the shirt color from garment, allowing the water based ink to sink into the fabric, instead of sitting on top of the fabric, like traditional screen printing. There are a few shirt colors that don't work well for water based inks, such as purple and royal.


Fast Turnaround Time

Enjoy a fast turnaround time of just 4 business days for production after you approve your online proof, and ships out the next business day. Rush production and expedited shipping options are also available if you're in a hurry!